[Issue 11] In Cold Blood

[Narrator]

"This is why I tell you to go away. Go be crazy on your own."

[John Hino]

He growled. "And if I don't?"

[Narrator]

Rhino gave a frustrated rumble, standing up to his full height.

...which was taller than John by a good deal.

He leaned over John, his face exposed for the first time in the conversation. Four angry clawmarks were knitting together, surrounded by a spreading area of grey, leathery flesh.

"...then I will leave before I think of things I do not want to do, little lizard."

He turned to go.

[John Hino]

That was when the still civilized part of John slipped even further. He spewed frost at the giant.

[Narrator]

Which, surprisingly, had little effect on the Rhino's backside.

That isn't to say that Rhino hadn't noticed. Indeed, the armored tree-trunk of a limb that swung at John was suitable retort, connecting with what felt like the force of an oncoming truck.

[John Hino]

There was a crack and the increasingly arrogant reptile went flying. He crashed hard into a tree, breaking it in half.

[Narrator]

Shaking his horned head, the Rhino reminded himself of his priorities and again went to walk away.

[John Hino]

"You... will... not..." John growled as he slowly moved. Then he winced heavily and fell back against the tree, breathing shallowly.

My ribs... he actually... hurt me...

[Narrator]

"Do svidaniya," the Rhino muttered, back still to John as he continued walking away.

[John Hino]

This was an important lesson for the beast and he would remember it well. A king must pick his battles wisely.

Can't... stay here...

He was able to move this time. Carefully, he ambled slowly in the direction of a cave opening he had passed earlier.

[Narrator]

John was... getting better. The cracked ribs and other damage the Rhino had done to him slowly popped back into place.

Or... nearly so.

His chest had barreled out, forcing his head forward in a hunch. His back broadened, scales thickening as ridges began to protrude from it. His jaw ached as his mouth stretched into an even longer, toothy maw.

John was getting better...

[John Hino]

He cried out in what emerged as a pained roar as his hips and shoulders joined the change, forcing him to the ground.

No! I'm not an animal! I'm not him!

[Narrator]

His tail lashed out behind him, the ridges along his back continuing along it. He was sleek, powerful. The healing had changed him, made him more...

[John Hino]

... made him... more.

As soon as his limbs finished popping into their new positions, the creature named John roared with triumph over his struggling humanity. It was time to see to his hunger.

[Narrator]

There was a new scent on the wind that reached John's nostrils. It smelled... rather human.

[John Hino]

He sniffed deeply, flicking his tongue as well.

Humans... they'll regret this trespass.

He began heading that direction, swiftly but silently.